Ellis out until late January

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, December 27, 2008

Warriors coach Don Nelsondoesn't expect Monta Ellis back on the court until late January at the earliest.

"I don't think he'll be ready to play in a game for a month still. And that could be even when he starts to practice," Nelson said before backing off slightly. "I don't know. I'm really not sure. You really need to talk to the trainers about that."

Nelson's projection is among the few offered by the Warriors, who have purposely avoided putting any timetable on Ellis' return from offseason ankle surgery.

According to a Golden State spokesman, Ellis is now doing slides and one-footed jumps as he continues his rehab under Mark Grabow, the team's director of athletic development.

On Friday, Ellis also gave fans their first official look at him this season: The 23-year-old watched the Celtics game from the Warriors' bench.

Maggette, Crawford still out: While Stephen Jackson returned from his four-game injury layoff, the Warriors remain without starters Corey Maggetteand Jamal Crawford.

Crawford, who injured his groin prior to the Magic game, is hoping to be back for Sunday's road matchup against the Lakers.

Maggette hasn't played since Dec. 6 and did not go on the Warriors' recent road trip, instead receiving treatment on his strained hamstring in Los Angeles and Oakland.

He was at Friday's game along with Crawford and Jackson.

Morrow on call: Rookie Anthony Morrow's girlfriend was due to give birth to their first child Friday, and he's ready to fly to Kansas City, Mo., as soon as the call comes that she's in labor.

The Warriors guard will probably miss a few days to be with his newborn daughter, who will be named A'niyah.